Aflac Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

The 2021 Aflac WorkForces Report reveals significant shifts in employee health benefits decisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 44% of U.S. employees purchased at least one new health benefit, with many adding life insurance, critical illness coverage, or telehealth services. The report highlights that those who tested positive for COVID-19 were significantly more likely to seek new benefits. Additionally, rising health care costs have increased employer challenges, with only 61% of employees satisfied with their benefits, despite 76% of employers believing otherwise.

AM Best has assigned indicative Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings of “a-” (Excellent) to senior unsecured issues and “bbb+” (Good) to subordinated issues of Aflac Incorporated (AFL). The outlook is positive, reflecting Aflac’s robust risk management and capital preservation efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aflac's financial leverage stands at 24.0% with EBIT interest coverage at approximately 22 times through June 30, 2021. The company’s next debt maturity is in 2024. Ratings on the previous shelf registration have been withdrawn, but all other ratings remain unchanged.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) will have Chief Financial Officer Max K. Brodén speak at the 2021 KBW Insurance Conference on September 9, 2021, at 11:40 a.m. ET. The discussion will be available for live streaming here and a replay can be accessed for 90 days afterward. Aflac provides supplemental insurance to over 50 million people in the U.S. and Japan and is recognized for its ethical business practices, including being named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies.

Aflac, a leading supplemental insurance provider, is commemorating National Sickle Cell Awareness Month with educational initiatives. Starting in early 2022, Aflac will expand its My Special Aflac Duck program to support children with sickle cell disease (SCD), offering comforting companions free to kids aged 3 and older. This program builds on Aflac's commitment to helping nearly 12,000 children facing pediatric cancer. The new campaign includes accessories tailored for SCD patients and aims to increase awareness through webinars and partnerships, addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

Aflac announced a new partnership with football legend Deion "Prime" Sanders to celebrate the return of college football. Through a series of ads, Aflac aims to promote its supplemental insurance that covers unexpected medical bills. The campaign includes donations to HBCUs, such as $75,000 to Jackson State University, and a $1 million commitment to Morehouse School of Medicine. Aflac's initiative also features collaborations with ESPN and aims to engage communities of color, emphasizing its long-standing support for HBCUs and economic development efforts.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that Aflac will serve as the claims administrator for Connecticut's Paid Leave Authority, expected to create approximately 150 jobs in Windsor. Aflac will handle applications, eligibility determinations, and benefit administration for paid leave, providing flexible application options. This partnership aims to support Connecticut workers and enhance economic growth in the region. Aflac was chosen through a competitive bidding process, highlighting its strong reputation and commitment to job creation in Connecticut.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) reported second-quarter 2021 results, revealing total revenues of $5.6 billion, up from $5.4 billion in Q2 2020. Net earnings soared to $1.1 billion ($1.62 per diluted share), a significant increase from $805 million ($1.12) last year, driven by higher net investment gains. Adjusted earnings also rose to $1.1 billion, reflecting a 17.3% increase. The company repurchased $500 million in shares, maintaining a strong capital position. Despite challenges in premium income, particularly in Aflac U.S., new sales in Japan improved significantly.